How to Change Your DNS Server on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Is your internet connection slower than expected? Or are you facing issues loading certain websites? Sometimes, the problem isn’t your internet connection itself — it’s your DNS server. The good news is that you can easily fix this by learning how to change your DNS server on Windows 11.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explain what DNS is, why you should change it, and provide step-by-step instructions for multiple methods — including Settings, Control Panel, Command Prompt, and PowerShell.

By the end, you’ll not only know how to change your DNS server, but also which DNS servers are the fastest and most secure for your needs.

What Is a DNS Server?

DNS stands for Domain Name System.
It acts as the phonebook of the internet, translating human-friendly domain names (like www.google.com) into computer-readable IP addresses (like 142.250.190.14).

When you type a website address in your browser, your PC contacts a DNS server to find out where that site is located on the internet.

By default, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) assigns you a DNS server — but it’s often slow or unreliable. That’s why changing it can significantly improve speed and privacy.

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⚡ Why Change Your DNS Server in Windows 11?

Changing your DNS server can offer several benefits depending on what you’re trying to achieve.

✅ 1. Faster Browsing Speeds

Public DNS providers like Google DNS or Cloudflare can respond faster than your ISP’s default DNS, reducing page load times.

✅ 2. Better Security

Some DNS providers block malicious websites, phishing links, or malware domains.

✅ 3. Improved Privacy

Privacy-oriented DNS servers don’t log your browsing data or share it with third parties.

✅ 4. Access Blocked or Restricted Sites

Changing DNS can sometimes help bypass regional restrictions or DNS-based blocking.

✅ 5. Increased Reliability

Third-party DNS services are globally distributed, offering consistent uptime and better reliability.

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🧠 Best DNS Servers to Use in 2025

Here are some of the fastest and most secure DNS servers you can use:

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🔍 Check Your Current DNS Settings

Before making changes, it’s good to see which DNS server you’re currently using.

🪟 Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.

2. In Command Prompt, type:

   ipconfig /all


3. Look for the line that says DNS Servers — you’ll see your current configuration.

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🪄 Method 1: Change DNS Server via Windows 11 Settings

This is the easiest and most recommended method for most users.

🔹 Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Click Network & Internet.

3. Choose Wi-Fi (for wireless) or Ethernet (for wired).

4. Click your active network connection.

5. Scroll down and click Edit next to DNS server assignment.

6. Change from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual.

7. Turn on IPv4 (and IPv6 if needed).

8. Enter your preferred DNS servers:

   • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8

   • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4

9. Click Save.

✅ Done! Windows 11 will now use your new DNS servers for all network requests.

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⚙️ Method 2: Change DNS Using Control Panel

If you’re more comfortable with the traditional interface, this method works great.

🔹 Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.

2. Go to Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.

3. Click Change adapter settings (left sidebar).

4. Right-click your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter → Select Properties.

5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Click Properties.

6. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses.

7. Enter:

   • Preferred: 1.1.1.1

   • Alternate: 1.0.0.1

8. Click OK, then Close.

You can also repeat the same for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) if your ISP supports it.

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💻 Method 3: Change DNS Server via Command Prompt

Advanced users can change DNS directly using command-line commands.

🔹 Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. To view your network adapters, type:

   netsh interface show interface


3. Find the name of your network interface (e.g., Wi-Fi).

4. Now, type the following command to set the new DNS:

   netsh interface ip set dns name="Wi-Fi" static 8.8.8.8


5. To add an alternate DNS server:

   netsh interface ip add dns name="Wi-Fi" 8.8.4.4 index=2


✅ Your new DNS is now active.

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🧰 Method 4: Change DNS Server Using PowerShell

PowerShell provides another efficient way to modify DNS settings.

🔹 Steps:

1. Right-click Start → Select Windows Terminal (Admin).

2. To list your network adapters, type:

   Get-DnsClientServerAddress


3. Identify your active adapter (e.g., Wi-Fi).

4. Run this command to change the DNS:

   Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -ServerAddresses ("1.1.1.1","1.0.0.1")


✅ PowerShell instantly applies your new DNS configuration.

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📶 Method 5: Change DNS Server for Wi-Fi vs Ethernet

Windows 11 lets you configure DNS separately for Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections.

For Wi-Fi:

• Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Your Network → DNS Server Assignment → Edit.

For Ethernet:

• Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Ethernet → DNS Server Assignment → Edit.

💡 Tip: If you use both connections, configure DNS for each one to ensure consistent results.

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🔐 How to Enable Encrypted DNS (DNS over HTTPS)

Windows 11 supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH) — a feature that encrypts DNS queries to protect your browsing privacy.

🔹 Steps:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet.

2. Click Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then select your network.

3. Under DNS server assignment, click Edit.

4. Switch to Manual and enable IPv4.

5. Enter your DNS servers (e.g., 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).

6. For each DNS entry, set DNS over HTTPS (DoH) to On (Automatic Template).

7. Click Save.

Supported DoH Providers:

✅ You’re now using encrypted DNS — boosting privacy and protection against tracking.

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🧪 How to Test Your New DNS Server

After changing your DNS, test if it’s working properly.

✅ Method 1: Using Command Prompt

1. Open CMD and type:

   nslookup google.com


2. Look at the Server section — it should show your new DNS address.

✅ Method 2: Using Online Tools

You can also verify DNS changes at:

• https://www.dnsleaktest.com

• https://www.browserleaks.com/dns

If the test shows your new DNS provider (e.g., Cloudflare, Google), everything is configured correctly.

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⚠️ Common Issues and Fixes

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🧰 Bonus Tip: Flush DNS Cache After Changing DNS

To ensure your new DNS server works immediately:

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).

2. Type:

   ipconfig /flushdns


3. Press Enter.

You’ll see:

“Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”

✅ Your new DNS settings are now in full effect.

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🧩 FAQs

1. Is it safe to change DNS in Windows 11?

Yes, it’s completely safe. Just make sure you use a trusted DNS provider like Google, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS.

2. Will changing DNS make my internet faster?

Yes, it can — especially if your current DNS is slow or unreliable.

3. Can I use different DNS servers for Wi-Fi and Ethernet?

Absolutely. Windows 11 allows you to configure DNS for each network separately.

4. Do I need administrator rights to change DNS?

Yes, you must be logged in as an administrator to modify DNS settings.

5. What’s the best DNS for gaming?

For low latency and reliability, use Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).

6. Can I set DNS directly on my router?

Yes, and it’s recommended if you want all connected devices (phones, PCs, TVs) to use the same DNS automatically.

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🧾 Summary: Quick Comparison of DNS Change Methods

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🏁 Conclusion

Changing your DNS server on Windows 11 is one of the simplest ways to boost internet speed, privacy, and security — all without installing any software.

Let’s recap the process:

• ✅ Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi/Ethernet

• ✅ Edit DNS Server Assignment

• ✅ Enter new servers (e.g., 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1)

• ✅ Enable DNS over HTTPS for encryption

• ✅ Test and flush DNS cache

Whether you’re trying to speed up browsing, enhance privacy, or bypass network restrictions, changing your DNS is a powerful yet easy tweak anyone can make.